Principal Researcher

**About the Materials Processing Institute**

The Materials Processing Institute is the UK’s national innovation centre for metals and is a globally recognised centre for the innovation, development, and commercialisation of technology for advanced materials, industrial decarbonisation, digital technologies, and the circular economy. These innovations are delivered by scientists, engineers, and project teams with expertise in materials science and advanced processing, utilising state-of-the-art equipment, laboratories, workshops, demonstration, scale-up and production facilities to develop technology, enhance materials and improve processes. The Institute is a not-for-profit organisation, with an 80 year track record and a strong societal and ethical mission.

**Job Summary**

As a Principal Researcher you will have extensive knowledge of materials testing, evaluation, analysis and report writing. There is an expectation that there will be a sound working knowledge of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Customer liaison will be an essential part of the role and there will be extensive technical and business discussions from C-suite through to technicians. A thorough understanding of alloying techniques is essential.

Must be able to work autonomously and deliver to the highest standards from day one.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Customer liaison to ensure high level technical discussions are delivered.
- Expert on alloying techniques and steering other staff members in their production.
- Training of staff in materials
- Instrument Operation and Maintenance:

- Operate and maintain SEM, XRD, XRF, and OES instruments.
- Understand routine instrument calibrations and quality control checks.
- Troubleshoot and resolve instrument issues to ensure optimal performance.
- Have a full understanding of sample preparation:

- Prepare samples for analysis, which may involve cutting, grinding, polishing, or coating, depending on the analysis technique.
- Ensure sample handling and storage adhere to safety and quality standards.
- Data Collection and Analysis:

- Execute data collection using the specified analytical techniques, ensuring accurate and reproducible results.
- Collaborate with researchers to interpret data and draw meaningful conclusions.
- Document and report results, maintaining organised and traceable records.
- Safety and Quality Assurance:

- Follow established safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment.
- Adhere to quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
- Collaboration and Communication:

- Work closely with research teams and provide technical support for their projects.
- Ensure training is documented and recorded to safeguard and satisfy the Institutes quality assurance standards.
- Communicate results, progress, and challenges effectively to team members and supervisors.
- Continued Learning and Professional Development:

- Stay current with advancements in all testing and analysis techniques and share learnings.
- Attend training sessions, workshops, and conferences to enhance skills and knowledge.

**Qualifications**:

- Must hold a minimum of BSc in metallurgy or Materials Science.
- Preferrable MSc and PhD in similar technical or scientific fields.
- Strong knowledge of alloying, in particular high entropy and low reactivity alloys.
- Able to talk at C-suite level.
- Able to communicate with technicians.
- Previous experience working with SEM, XRD, XRF, and OES instruments.
- Knowledge of heat treatment techniques and technologies.
- Knowledge of materials fusion, welding and brazing.
- Knowledge of thermodynamics.
- Proficiency in sample preparation techniques and data analysis methods.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
- Report writing skills must be exemplary.
- High levels of presentation skills are essential.
- Working knowledge of the nuclear industry is desirable.
- A commitment to safety and quality standards.
- Attention to detail and strong organisational skills.

The Principal Researcher role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and innovation within our organisation. You will play an integral part in advancing our understanding of materials and processes, making a positive impact on our research and technology initiatives. You will work across multiple industrial sectors and be at the forefront of Research and Development.